RP-US Naval exercises set for first week of June

By Ronron
May 24, 2007

The Philippine and United States Navies will conduct combined exercises in the country from May 31 until June 9 of this year for further enhancement of interoperability of the two units, especially in combating terrorism and transnational crimes.

Ensign Annaleah Palad, Philippine Navy Public Affairs Officer for the exercises dubbed Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2007, said approximately 1,400 American sailors and around 600 of their Filipino counterparts will take part in the activity.

In a statement, Palad said the exercises will be spread in various training sites in Cavite, Zamboanga City and Basilan.

“Held annually, CARAT is designed to enhance interoperability between the two forces in combined naval operations, including skills applicable in combating seaborne terrorist threats and transnational crimes at sea,” Palad said.

At the Naval Base Cavite in Sangley Point, Cavite City, Palad said Dive Exercises and Salvage Exercises will be held.

While in Zamboanga City and Basilan, Command Post Exercises, Staff Exercises, and Passage Exercises will be complemented with humanitarian projects, Palad said.

Palad said the participating US personnel will be accompanied by the USS Harpers Ferry from Sasebo, Japan; USS Ford from Everett, Washington; and USS Jarrett from San Diego, California. The Navy Seabess will also be joined by Army doctors and veterinarians for the humanitarian projects.

For the Philippine part, the following Navy vessels will take part: BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS 37), BRP Gen. Mariano Alvarez (PS 38), BRP Quezon (PS 70), and BRP Bagobo (AT 293). They will also be joined by some personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard.

“The series of drills and simulation activities are expected to strengthen the Philippine Navy’s Fleet-Marine tandem in their operational skills and synergy in carrying out combined operations,” Palad said.

Formal opening of the CARAT 2007 will be held on May 31st at the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Officers Club in Zamboanga City.

CARAT 2007 is one of the activities approved by the RP-US Mutual Defense Board under the Mutual Defense Treaty, Palad said./DMS